Pre-Professional Program

Are you ready to take your dancing to the next level? Our Pre-Professional Program is an exciting step for young dancers looking to study classical ballet at an elite level.

Schedules & Tuition | Pre-Professional Program

  • Enter the pre-professional realm in Ballet 2A, advancing to two weekly classes where dancers delve into the advanced beginner Vaganova syllabus, blending fun with dance science. Instructor placement required (Ballet 1B or audition required). Dancers partake in Junior Ensemble and dazzle in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments. Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

    Monday
    Ballet Technique 6:15-7:45 PM

    Wednesday
    Ballet Technique 6:15 - 7:45 PM
    Rehearsal 7:45 - 8:15 PM

  • Complete the advanced beginner Vaganova syllabus and commence intermediate work in Ballet 2B. Emphasizing classical terminology, placement, and musicality. Audition required. Dancers engage in Junior Ensemble and shine in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees. Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

    Tuesday
    Ballet Technique 6:00-7:30 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30 - 8:00 PM

    Thursday
    Ballet Technique 6:00-7:30 PM

  • Accomplished intermediate students in Ballet 3A are beginning pointe work, and attend three weekly classes, including ballet, pre-pointe/pointe, modern, jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique, and classical variations. Instructor placement required (Ballet 2B prerequisite). Dancers featured in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella. Audition required.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees. Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

    Tuesday
    Pre-Pointe 5:30-6:00PM
    Ballet Technique 6:00-7:30 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30-8:30 PM

    Thursday
    Ballet Technique 5:00-6:45 PM
    Pre-Pointe 6:45-7:15 PM
    Snack Break 7:15-7:30 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30-8:30 PM

    Friday
    Pre-Pointe 5:00-5:30 PM
    Ballet Technique 5:30-7:00 PM

  • Advanced intermediate students in Ballet 3B attend three weekly classes covering ballet, beginning pointe, modern, jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique, and classical variations. Instructor placement required (Ballet 3A or equivalent prerequisite). Dancers featured in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella. Audition required.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees. Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

    Tuesday
    Ballet Technique 5:00-6:45 PM
    Pointe 6:45-7:15 PM
    Snack Break 7:15-7:30 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30-8:30 PM

    Thursday
    Ballet Technique 5:00-6:45 PM
    Pointe 6:45-7:15 PM
    Snack Break 7:15-7:30 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30-8:30 PM

    Friday
    Ballet Technique and Pointe 5:00-7:00 PM

  • A pinnacle of our Pre-Professional Program, Ballet 4A trains serious ballet students four days weekly, encompassing ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique, and classical variations. Instructor placement required (Ballet 3B prerequisite). Dancers featured in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella. Audition required.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees. Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

    Tuesday
    Ballet Technique 5:00-6:45 PM
    Snack Break 6:45-7:00 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30-8:30 PM

    Wednesday
    Ballet Technique 4:30-6:00 PM
    Snack Break 6:00-6:15 PM
    Pointe 6:15-7:15 PM
    Modern 7:15-8:15 PM

    Thursday
    Ballet Technique 5:00-6:45 PM
    Pointe 6:45-7:15 PM
    Snack Break 7:15-7:30 PM
    Rehearsal 7:30-8:30 PM

    Friday
    Ballet Technique 4:30-6:15 PM
    Pointe 6:15-7:00 PM

  • At the apex of our Pre-Professional Program, Ballet 4B trains serious ballet students four days weekly in the Vaganova syllabus, encompassing ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, Progressing Ballet Technique, and classical variations. Instructor placement required (Ballet 4A or equivalent prerequisite). Dancers feature in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella. Audition required.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees.

    Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

    Tuesday
    Ballet Technique 4:30-6:00 PM
    Snack Break 6:00-6:15 PM
    Cross Training or Rehearsal 6:15-7:15 PM
    Rehearsal 7:15-8:30 PM

    Wednesday
    Technique 4:30-6:00 PM
    Snack Break 6:00-6:15 PM
    Pointe 6:15-7:15 PM
    Modern 7:15-8:15 PM

    Thursday
    Technique 4:30-6:00 PM
    Snack Break 6:00-6:15 PM
    Cross Training or Rehearsal 6:15-7:15 PM
    Rehearsal 7:15-8:30 PM

    Friday
    Ballet Technique 4:30-6:15 PM
    Pointe 6:15-7:00 PM

  • The gateway to our pre-professional program, 2A/B Men’s Track cultivates discipline, strength, agility, and teamwork.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees.

    Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • Tailored for young men with pre-professional program experience, 3A Men’s Track fosters discipline, strength, agility, and teamwork. Dancers feature in Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella. Audition required.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, inclusive of costume and performance fees.

    Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • Elevate your dance journey in 4A/B Men's Track, designed for those with advanced pre-professional program experience seeking to refine their skills and artistry. Embrace discipline, strength, and teamwork as you prepare to shine on stage in productions like Beyond the Nutcracker and Cinder Ella. Audition required to join.

    Commitment: 36 weeks, 9 tuition payments, including costume and performance fees.

    Tuition information is available by request. Placement in this program is by audition only.

  • A weekly master class taught by the best teachers at the School of Ballet 5:8. Come learn the secrets to the signature Ballet 5:8 style and movement quality. This class will focus on essentials like turnout, plie coordination, foot articulation, musicality, and more. The class is open to any dancers ages 11+ and is suitable for B58S dancers in Ballet 2A or higher.

    Monday | 4:30-6:00pm
    Saturday | 10:00-11:30am

The Program

Our Pre-Professional Program includes ballet technique, pointe, variations, jazz, modern and Progressing Ballet Technique.

Pre-Professional program classes teach crucial, foundational building blocks for classical ballet training. In addition to training in ballet, supplementary classes such as modern and jazz shape a versatile, well-rounded dancer.

“I have seen my girls completely transform, not only in their skills as a dancer, but in their overall confidence and emotional security. The girls are like a big family, always there to support one another. What an accomplishment to now see my girls dancing on pointe shoes!”

Bonnie Ehlers, Pre-Professional Program Parent

Drop-In Classes

  • The Pre-Professional Program offers drop-in classes for intermediate and advanced students looking to supplement their training.

    Ballet 5:8 Essentials is a weekly master class open to the public.

    Monday | 4:30-6:00pm
    Saturday | 10:00-11:30am


    60mmn Class - $18
    75mn Class - $25
    90mn Class - $28

    Discounted rates available for purchasing a 10 class card.

Level Placement

Level placement in the Pre-Professional program is determined by ability, not by age! Dancers take graded exams each year to assist with their comprehensive classical ballet training. Examinations measure student proficiency in a wide range of areas including proper placement, coordination, knowledge of the syllabus material, ability to correctly perform the syllabus material, musicality, and artistic performance. Students are advanced to the next level based on exam score and faculty recommendation.

Performing Opportunities in Ensemble

The Ensemble Program allows dancers to perform throughout the school year while also developing crucial professional skills specific to learning choreography, navigating the rehearsal process, and performing. 

Performance opportunities in Ensemble include roles in the School of Ballet 5:8's two full-length original productions each year, and in outreach performances. We believe that performing in both theater and outreach settings are crucial aspects of a dancer’s training, helping them grow into well-rounded dancers.

Only students enrolled in the Pre-Professional Program may participate in Ensemble.

Why Dance with Ballet 5:8?

Our goal is to provide the highest quality classical training, in a nurturing environment where students thrive. Our graduates go on to colleges and companies of the highest caliber.

Evaluation

Dancers in each level receive individualized evaluation from their instructors twice a year. At the end of the year we formally evaluate or students progress during Exam Week. Exam results are graded and distributed to students and parents along with individual feedback and level placement for the following year.

Scholarships

Some financial aid, work, men's and merit scholarships are available. New students wishing to apply for aid based on financial need must submit our financial aid application form.